 |
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian with Bonus Accessory Pack by Orion
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Orion Product features: - 150mm aperture and 1200mm focal length for brighter, more detailed images
- A streamlined Dobsonian base for unflinching stability and superior balance
- Includes bonus accessory pack with five valuable accessories (a $167 value)
- Also includes two eyepieces, finder scope, collimation cap, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
- One-year limited warranty
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian with Bonus Accessory PackCustomer Review: The ideal amateur telescope Summary: 5 Stars
This is not only the ideal scope for beginners but enough of an instrument to show you new things in the sky for years to come. It is sturdy and simple to operate. It has enough light-gathering power (more important than magnification) to reveal dim star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies and good enough optics to show you the surface of planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Affordable as this scope is, there is no reason to give so much as a glance at the numerous trashy 60mm refractors with exaggerated magnification claims that litter the market.
Some advice on selection. Dobsonians like this one come in a range of sizes. A 114mm (4 ½") is a bit on the small side but still a fine instrument, especially if your ability to carry large objects is limited. A 150-200mm (6-8") scope like this one is in the middle of the recommended range. A 250mm (10") is on the big side, and you should buy one only if you are able-bodied.
Some advice on use. Viewing through a telescope is less like playing a CD and more like playing a guitar. Finding objects takes a little bit of practice. To simplify finding, I would suggest replacing the supplied finder with Orion's superior 8x40 model and also supplementing it with a "red dot" finder; both are available on Amazon. You will also need to buy an atlas (Sky & Telescope's Pocket sky Atlas is the best available), a red flashlight to view the charts without blowing out your badly-needed night vision, and a guidebook to lead you to interesting objects. These investments will greatly add to your enjoyment.
What more can I say? This is the kind of scope that experienced observers have been trying to steer novices towards for decades. Although, I recommend that you do your homework before buying any scope--learn the sky and get to know experienced stargazers who can advise you--when it comes time to purchase, you could hardly do better than this scope.
For more advice, see my encyclopedic guide here on Amazon, "So you want to buy a telescope."
Description of Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian with Bonus Accessory PackAffordable, powerful, and easy to use, our highly acclaimed SkyQuest XT6 is a great choice for beginners seeking an exceptionally capable telescope that's also nicely portable. Its 150mm-diameter, 1200mm focal length parabolic primary mirror gets the goods, rendering excellent images of deep-space objects as well as high-power views of solar system attractions. It's a hands-on scope that is a joy to use -- uncomplicated, stable, and a snap to set up and take down. The tube is equipped with a 1.25" aluminum focuser and a navigation knob for easly slewing, plus a 6x30 finder scope and two Sirius Plossl eyepieces. You also get an eyepiece rack, quick-collimation cap, and hard dust cap. And now for a limited time, you can buy this excellent telescope and receive a bonus accessory pack (a $167 value) for only $19.95 (included in package price)!
Reflectors
|
 |
|
|
|